HomeMy Public PortalAbout2020_tcmin1006 COUNCIL MEETING October 6, 2020
Council Chamber, 25 West Market Street, 7:00 p.m. Mayor Burk presiding.
Council Members Present: Ron Campbell, Thomas Dunn, Suzanne Fox, Vice Mayor
Marty Martinez, Neil Steinberg, and Mayor Kelly Burk.
Council Members Absent: None.
Staff Present: Town Manager Kaj Dentler, Deputy Town Manager Keith Markel, Town
Attorney Christopher Spera, Director of Public Works and Capital Projects Renee
LaFollette, Leesburg Police Chief Greg Brown, Director of Economic Development
Russell Seymour, Airport Director Scott Coffman, Management&Budget Officer Jason
Cournoyer, Senior Engineer Anne Geiger, Senior Engineer Karin Franklin and Clerk of
Council Eileen Boeing.
AGENDA ITEMS
1. CALL TO ORDER
2. INVOCATION was given by Council Member Fox.
3. SALUTE TO THE FLAG was led by Airport Commission Chair Dennis Boykin.
4. ROLL CALL
a. Remote Participation
Vice Mayor Martinez and Council Member Dunn requested to electronically
participate in the October 6, 2020, Council Meeting due to the health and safety
concerns associated with the Coronavirus. Mayor Burk, Council Member
Campbell, Council Member Fox, and Council Member Steinberg were physically
present at the meeting.
MOTION2020-233
On a motion by Council Member Fox, seconded by Council Member Steinberg, the
following was proposed:
To allow Vice Mayor Martinez and Council Member Dunn to electronically
participate in the October 6, 2020, Council Meeting
The motion was approved by the following vote:
Aye: Campbell, Fox, Steinberg and Mayor Burk
Nay: None
Vote: 4-0-2(Vice Mayor Martinez and Dunn absent)
5. MINUTES
a. Work Session Minutes of September 21. 2020
MOTION 2020 234
On a motion by Council Member Steinberg, seconded by Council Member Campbell,
the minutes of the Work Session of September 21, 2020, were moved for approval.
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COUNCIL MEETING October 6, 2020
The motion was approved by the following vote:
Aye: Campbell, Dunn,Fox, Vice Mayor Martinez, Steinberg, and Mayor Burk
Nay: None
Vote: 6-0
b. Regular Session Minutes of September 22, 2020
MOTION2020-235
On a motion by Council Member Fox, seconded by Council Member Campbell, the
minutes of the Regular Session of September 22, 2020, were moved for approval.
The motion was approved by the following vote:
Aye: Campbell, Dunn, Fox, Vice Mayor Martinez, Steinberg, and Mayor Burk
Nay: None
Vote: 6-0
6. ADOPTING THE MEETING AGENDA
On a motion by Council Member Campbell, seconded by Council Member Steinberg, the
meeting agenda was moved for approval.
The motion was approved by the following vote:
Aye: Campbell, Dunn, Fox, Vice Mayor Martinez, Steinberg and Mayor Burk
Nay: None
Vote: 6-0
7. CERTIFICATES OF RECOGNITION
a. None.
8. PRESENTATION OF PROCLAMATIONS
a. Police Appreciation Day
Mayor Burk presented the proclamation for Police Appreciation Day to
Chief Greg Brown. Chief Brown made a few remarks.
b. National Disability Employment Awareness Month.
Mayor Burk presented the proclamation for the National Disability
Employment Awareness Month to Ms. Laurie Young, Ms. Billie Jo Bevan and Mr.
Adam Bell. The recipients made a few comments.
9. PRESENTATIONS
a. Visit Loudoun Presentation: COVID-19 Update to Town Council.
Ms. Beth Erickson, Visit Loudoun's President&CEO, gave a presentation
on the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on the travel industry and the resulting
effects to Leesburg. Ms. Erickson also shared some insight on Visit Loudoun's
forecasting and tools they are using to monitor travel levels and trends as well as
when they believe business and personal travel will recover. Ms. Erickson spoke
about some of the ongoing programs they have been working on and their
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excitement to work with the Town on the 2021 Virginia Municipal League (VML)
conference next fall.
Council asked Ms. Erickson questions related to keeping up with the level of
service with furloughs and budget impacts; ways to provide service to those
members of the public that the Town is trying to attract especially with so many
businesses affected by the pandemic; the markets Visit Loudoun sees coming back
first including sports, weddings and leisure travel but that business travel may be the
last to rebound; the Ion Skating Event; Visit Loudoun's involvement with the
Loudoun Museum's Haunting Tours; and, how Leesburg's market for smaller
meetings will help it recover faster than cities and Town's with larger venues.
10. REGIONAL COMMISSION REPORTS
Council Member Fox reported on the Northern Virginia Transportation
Authority's (NVTA)Planning Coordination Advisory Committee (PCAC)meeting.
Ms. Fox noted that they Authority has had to reevaluate and look at the new
impacts the pandemic has had on travel, transportation and teleworking. She noted
that it was reported Metro is losing about$2M a day. Ms. Fox reported that the
budget has not been approved and that NVTA has asked for patience as they look at
upcoming projects to assess what adjustments have to be made to accommodate the
revenue shortfall caused by the pandemic.
Mayor Burk reported that the Mayors of the Loudoun Towns continue to
have a weekly phone call with Chair Randall in regard to COVID. Mayor Burk
said Chair Randall shares with them the data and the information and notes that
Loudoun County is in much better shape than other localities for COVID cases.
She noted that is a common concern that there is COVID exhaustion and
everybody's tired of wearing masks and social distancing,but stressed the
importance of doing so in order to keep on the downward trend of COVID cases.
Mayor Burk said that the Northern Virginia Regional Commission continues to
hold their weekly meetings that cover a variety of topics and how other jurisdictions
are handling particular issues. Mayor Burk reported that she is on the Virginia
Municipal League(VML)Executive Committee and the Legislative Committee,
and that they held meetings over the past few days in advance of the VML Virtual
Conference that was to be held later in the week.
11. PETITIONERS
The Petitioners section was opened at 7:39 p.m.
Gladys Burke, 12 Hancock Place. Spoke to Council to express her support for
Legacy Farms and the work that they do in the community. Ms. Burke also spoke about
Ms. Opal Lee's visit to Leesburg and her gratefulness that the Town was able to welcome
her and that Council was able to provide her with a proclamation during her visit to gain
attention for making Juneteenth a national holiday.
The Petitioners section was closed at 7:43 p.m.
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12. APPROVAL OF THE CONSENT AGENDA
a. None.
13. RESOLUTIONS /ORDINANCES /MOTIONS
a. Morven Park Road Sidewalk Improvements Project Change Order
Council and staff discussed the withdrawal of the Spring Arbor
application; what opportunities the Town would have for infrastructure
improvements with future applications; the inadequacies of the storm
drainage outfall under Old Waterford Road; the project budget; how the
project relates to the project at 107 Morven Park Road; the fence along
Morven Park Road; and that a private owner is purchasing the property.
MOTION 2020 236
On a motion by Council Member Fox, seconded by Council Member
Steinberg, the following was proposed:
RESOLUTION2020-101
Approving Change Order No. 5 for Design of the Morven Park Road Sidewalk
Improvements Project in the Amount of$106,12707 and Authorizing the
Town Manager to Execute Change Order No. 5
The motion was approved by the following vote:
Aye: Campbell, Dunn, Fox, Vice Mayor Martinez, Steinberg and Mayor Burk
Nay: None
Vote: 6-0
b. Airport Maintenance/Storage Facility Construction Contract Award
Council Member Steinberg disclosed that he is a personal friend of
Mr. John Fuog who is the contractor for this project. Mr. Steinberg said he
was not involved with the granting of the award nor does he have a financial
interest with Mr. Fuog. Mr. Steinberg stated he was comfortable discussing
and voting on this project.
Mr. Scott Coffman advised Council that this project is to construct a
maintenance storage building for the airport snow removal and mowing
equipment and to store chemicals such as salt that is used on the Airport
runway. Mr. Coffman added that some of the equipment does not fit in the
existing bays and that the new storage facility will help protect the Town's
investment.
Council and staff discussed the project budget and how the Town
would repay the general obligation bonds; the types and dollar value of the
equipment that would be stored in the facility; and DEQ requirements for
equipment storage.
MOTION2020-237
On a motion by Council Member Steinberg, seconded by Council Member
Fox, the following was proposed:
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I move to approve the proposed resolution to(1)award the construction
contract for the Airport maintenance storage facility project to Fuog-Interbuild
Inc, and in the amount of$263,429.24, and(2)authorize the Town Manager
to execute the grant agreement in the Virginia Department of Aviation for
construction of the Airport maintenance storage facility project in the amount
of$40,335 and(3)amend the Fiscal Year 2020-2026 Capital Improvements
Program (CIP)and approve a supplemental appropriation of$109,200.
RESOLUTION2020-102
Airport Maintenance/Storage Facility Construction Contract Award,
Supplemental Appropriation of Funds, and Grant Agreement Authorization
The motion was approved by the following vote:
Aye: Campbell, Dunn, Fox, Vice Mayor Martinez, Steinberg and Mayor Burk
Nay: None
Vote: 6-0
b. Motion to Approve the Proclamation for Jason Mills
MOTION 2020 238
On a motion by Mayor Burk, seconded by Council Member Steinberg, the
following was proposed:
I move to approve the proclamation for Jason Mills to be proclaimed at the
October27th, 2020 Town Council meeting.
The motion was approved by the following vote:
Aye: Campbell, Fox, Vice Mayor Martinez, Steinberg and Mayor Burk
Nay: None
Vote: 5-0-1(Dunn abstain)
14. PUBLIC HEARINGS
a. None.
15. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
a. None.
16. NEW BUSINESS
a. None.
17. COUNCIL DISCLOSURES AND COMMENTS /ADDITIONS TO
FUTURE MEETINGS
Council Member Campbell thanked IT Director Jacob Jedrzejczak and the entire
staff, along with the IT Depai taiient of Loudoun County, for their great work with the 911
call handling upgrades and the internet transition away from Loudoun County. Mr.
Campbell said he was honored to be asked by Lead India Foundation, Lead America
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COUNCIL MEETING October 6, 2020
Foundation and the Indian Embassy along with the President of the Loudoun NAACP
Pastor Michelle Thomas to participate in the 151'birthday celebration in Washington DC
of Mahatma Gandhi and the special relationship to non-violence and Dr. Martin Luther
King Jr. and the influence that Gandhi had on his country and the US. Mr. Campbell
stated he did not have a problem with the idea of moving the Ethics Policy discussion for
the new Council to discuss, but noted it did renege on a promise to the community made
after the issues with the proclamations surfaced more than a year ago to address Council
Member behaviors adding that no action has been taken since then. Mr. Campbell said
that even with the recent discussion on the proclamation for Ms. Opal Lee, there were
questions that were asked that were not honestly answered. He asked that whichever
Council discusses the Ethics Policy that there be accountability for disclosure,
transparency, honesty and integrity.
Council Member Fox congratulated Chief Brown on four years of service with the
Town and complimented him for doing an excellent job at the helm of the Police
Department. Ms. Fox said the event for Ms. Opal Lee was quite nice and enjoyed
attending and hearing her story. Council Member Fox said she attended the Valor Awards
and expressed her appreciation for those who accomplished some heroic and amazing
things this past year. Ms. Fox noted that there would be a blood drive on October 20 at
801 Balls Bluff and if anyone wanted to sign up they could do so through the Red Cross
Web site.
18. MAYOR DISCLOSURES AND COMMENTS /ADDITIONS TO FUTURE
MEETINGS
Mayor Burk said that the September 24 event for Ms. Opal Lee was truly
inspirational and said it was an honor to present a proclamation to her. Mayor
Burk thanked everyone who welcomed her to Leesburg. Mayor Burk welcomed
SYNERGY HomeCare and attended their ribbon cutting. Mayor Burk also
welcomed the second location for Escape Room. Mayor Burk thanked the eighth
grade class at Providence Academy for inviting her to speak and share her
experiences of being Mayor and how it relates to campaigning. Mayor Burk
welcomed Loudoun Go which is a virtual farmer's market outside of ChefScape.
She said it was a unique format where customers order online and the farmers or
businesses deliver the products to customer's homes. Mayor Burk noted that with
several new businesses opening, it shows that Leesburg is still an attractive place to
open a business. Mayor Burk noted that on Friday, September 25 at 9:00 a.m. at
the Walgreens at King Street and Catoctin Circle there would be a short program on
the importance of the flu vaccine and to encourage people to get a flu shot even as
the community is dealing with COVID.
19. TOWN MANAGER COMMENTS
a. None.
20. CLOSED SESSION
a. None.
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COUNCIL MEETING October 6, 2020
21. ADJOURNMENT
On a motion by Council Member Steinberg, seconded by Council Member Fox, the meeting
was adjourned at 8:07p.m.
Ke Bur ayor
Town of L esburg
ATTEST:
Clerk of Council
2020 tcmino922
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October 6,2020—Town Council Meeting
(Note: This is a transcript prepared by a Town contractor based on the video of the meeting. It
may not be entirely accurate.For greater accuracy,we encourage you to review the video of the
meeting that is on the Town's Web site—www.leesburgva.gov or refer to the approved Council
meeting minutes. Council meeting videos are retained for three calendar years after a meeting
per Library of Virginia Records Retention guidelines.)
Mayor Kelly Burk:Welcome everyone. I would like to call to order the October 6th, 2020, meeting of
the Leesburg Town Council. If anyone in the room needs hearing assistance, please see the Clerk.
Council Member Fox will be leading the invocation and Council Member Campbell has asked Mr.Boykin
to lead the Pledge of Allegiance. Miss Fox.
Council Member Suzanne Fox: Thank you. Father, we're thankful for this day and for all of thy
blessings.We're thankful for the beautiful weather we've been enjoying.We asked thee for thy blessing
of peace, healing, and strength and blessing on the first responders and the citizens of our Town as
well.Our blessing that our Council may preside with integrity and non-partisanship.We say these things
in thy name,amen.
Council Member Ron Campbell:You're welcome to come forward in honor of our Veterans tonight to
say the pledge of allegiance.
Dennis Boykin: Thank you, sir. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to
the republic for which it stands,one nation, under God, indivisible,with liberty and justice for all.
Mayor Burk:Thank you,Mr.Boykin.Members of the public can now participate in the Council meetings
electronically.Any member of the public that wishes to participate in the public portion of this meeting
should log on to WebEx or call into the telephone number listed at the top of the published agenda. I
need a motion to allow Vice Mayor Martinez and Council Member Dunn to electronically participate in
this October 6th,2020 Town Council meeting.
Council Member Fox: So moved.
Council Member Neil Steinberg: Second.
Mayor Burk: Moved by Council Member Fox, seconded by Council Member Steinberg. All in favor
indicate by saying,aye.
Council Members:Aye.
Mayor Burk: Opposed? That's 4-0-1. Mr. Martinez and Mr. Dunn may now participate. I have Work
Session minutes from September 21st, 2020. Do I have a motion?
Council Member Steinberg: So moved.
Mayor Burk: Moved by Council Member Steinberg, second?
Council Member Campbell: Second.
Mayor Burk: Seconded by Council Member Campbell, all in favor indicate by saying,aye.
Council Members:Aye.
Mayor Burk: Opposed?That's 6-0. Regular session minutes of September 22nd, 2020.
Council Member Fox: So moved.
Mayor Burk: So moved by Council Member Fox,second?
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Page 11 October 6,2020
Council Member Campbell: Second.
Mayor Burk: By Council Member Campbell, all in favor indicate by saying, aye.
Council Members:Aye.
Mayor Burk: Opposed?6-0. Do I have a motion to adopt the meeting agenda?
Council Member Campbell: So moved.
Mayor Burk: So moved Mr. Campbell, seconded by Mr. Steinberg. Any additions or deletions?All in
favor indicate by saying, aye.
Council Members:Aye.
Mayor Burk: Opposed?
Council Member Dunn:Aye.
Mayor Burk: All right. Certificates of Recognition. We have none today, but we do have two
presentations for proclamations.The first proclamation is for National Disability Employment Awareness
Month. I will read this to the public and then go down from the dais and present this, we have some
distinguished guests for tonight. [laughs]
National Disability Employment Awareness Month, October 2020. Whereas, 2020 marks the 75th
observance of the National Disability Employment Awareness Month, which was created to raise
awareness about disability employment issues and to celebrate the many and varied contributions of
people with disabilities.Whereas earlier this year,the American with Disabilities Act celebrated 30 years
of increasing access and opportunity for people with disabilities across all aspects of the community
life,including employment.Whereas,workplaces that welcome the talent of all people,including people
with disabilities are crucial part of our collective efforts to build an inclusive community and a strong
economy.
Whereas, ECHO has been offering vocational training, community integration, and comprehensive
disability employment in Leesburg since 1975.Whereas established in 2012,the Legacy Farm provides
neurodiverse individuals agrarian-based employment,apprenticeships,and job skill training.Whereas,
these two organizations have set commendable examples for others to reinforce the value and talent
that people with disabilities add to our workplaces and the community as a whole.Therefore,proclaimed
that the Mayor and the Council of the Town of Leesburg in Virginia proclaims October 2020 to be
Disability Employment Awareness Month in the Town of Leesburg.We call upon our businesses and
other employees to advance the message that people with disabilities are equal to the tasks throughout
the year. Proclaimed the sixth day of October 2020.
The second proclamation we have today is for Police Appreciation Day. Police Appreciation Day,
October 15th,2020.Whereas,the Leesburg Police Department serves and protects our Town residents
and businesses, along with visitors and those traveling through the Town 24 hours a day, 365 days a
year. Whereas, the Leesburg Police Department personnel are dedicated to stand as leaders and
teachers in the education of our community about the importance of public safety.
Whereas, the Leesburg Police Department continues to evolve to meet the challenges of today while
preparing for tomorrow in order to better serve and protect our community.Whereas,we appreciate the
dedicated service and courageous deeds of the Leesburg Police Department and the contributions they
have made to the security and well-being of our community.Whereas,we welcome Chief Greg Brown
to accept the proclamation on behalf of the Leesburg Police Department, in recognition of Police
Appreciation Day.
Therefore, proclaimed by the Mayor and the Council of the Town of Leesburg in Virginia that Thursday,
October 15th,2020, is Police Appreciation Day in the Town of Leesburg.The Council encourages the
public to express their gratitude for this extraordinary effort and sacrifices made by our officers and their
families on a daily basis to serve and protect our community.Proclaimed the sixth day of October 2020.
Page 21 October 6,2020
I'm going to take these down. I will ask the individuals to come join us,join me here.
Mayor Burk: Police Appreciation Day, Chief I am going to present this to you today. Congratulations
and thank you very much for all you and all your officers do to make Leesburg a safe place for us to
live and work and play.We really appreciate that.
Greg Brown: I appreciate that.Thank you very much. [crosstalk]
Mayor Burk: [laughs]Would you like to say a few words in regard to?
Greg Brown: I know you [inaudible 00:09:13]. [laughs] I'll keep it brief. I'll keep with the mask on as
well so it's hard to speak. On behalf of the Leesburg Police Department,we extend our gratitude and
thanks to the Mayor,Town Council, and of course,our community.The men and women and our very
own police force,they show up every day, they do an excellent job and they're here to serve. They're
here to serve selflessly. I think that's very evident,just in the interactions and the feedback that I get
from Council,Town staff,and the community on a regular basis.
Thank you for your continued support. Thank you, Madam Mayor, and thank you, Council for your
continued support and we'll continue to do a good job and serve you guys without fault.Thank you.
Mayor Burk:Thank you very much.
[applause]
Mayor Burk:We have a representative from ECHO and a representative from the Legacy Farm if you
want to come up at this point?
Legacy Farms Representative:Thank you very much.
Mayor Burk: Sure,we are very honored that you're here today to accept this.What you're doing on a
regular basis to help the inclusion issue within our community is just really worth it. ECHO is not here?
I'm sorry.
Legacy Farms Representative:That's okay.
[laughter]
Mayor Burk: We really appreciate all the work that you do. As a former Special Ed teacher, it's very
important that we recognize that not what people can't do, but what people can do. There's so much
that you guys are helping to make sure that that message comes across, and that's the opportunity for
all people within our community.Thank you very much for what you do.
Adam Bell: I'd love invite you to the Farm on October the 24th. [inaudible 00:11:00]
Legacy Farms Representative:We are growing a lot more than just, is what we like to describe.
Mayor Burk:What's on the 24th?
Legacy Farms Representative: On the 24th we have got a fundraiser event at Bear Chase Brewery.
It's a beautiful back backdrop.
Mayor Burk: It is a beautiful place.
Legacy Farms Representative: Get together and appreciate everyone and all the hard work, our
[unintelligible 00:11:21] have done throughout the season.
Mayor Burk:Wonderful.Great.Would you like to explain what Legacy?You're not representing ECHO.
Would you explain what Legacy Farms is?
Page 31 October 6,2020
Legacy Farms Representative: We have a mentor-apprentice program. We hire neurodiverse
individuals who work in our garden or on special projects related to the nonprofit organization that might
involve design, lighting,golf, photography.Whatever their talents are,we make use of those talents for
our organization.
Mayor Burk:Wonderful. That's great.Thank you all very much for what you do. Thank you, and nice
to see you guys.
[applause]
[pause 00:12:00]
Legacy Farms Representative:These are for you. They are from our garden.
Legacy Farms Representative: There's also some photography for you guys.
Mayor Burk:Alright,that's great.Chief,before you leave,are you going to do the bowling ball judging?
Greg Brown:Yes. I am all signed up and I'm ready to go.
Mayor Burk: Okay,thanks.
[laughter]
Mayor Burk: We have a presentation tonight. Our presentation is from Visit Loudoun. Hello, how are
you today?
Beth Erickson: I am well.Thank you. Good evening. I did not bring such beautiful gifts, but those are
really lovely. [laughs]Wow.Thank you all so much, Madam Mayor,Town Council.
I looked at my notes, the last time that I was before you was right before the bottom fell out. I think
was here at the end of February.As we look at 2019, I think one of the most difficult aspects, we just
published our numbers from the State.2019 was our six consecutive year of year over year growth in
tourism,and hospitality and revenue.We were this close to$2 billion,$1.9 billion.That also tells us that
we are a resilient community that will come back and that is what I am here tonight to talk to you a little
bit about.
Oh, nice.We have buttons that we can push as opposed to trying to find the stylus. This is wonderful.
Thank you. I'm going to go ahead and turn my timer on. We're going to go over this evening, some
updates on travel sentiment,what the visitors are thinking. I'm going to bring you some information and
some data from MWAA that is going to talk about when we're going to be seeing business travel resume.
I'm going to talk a little bit about our forecasting, what we're seeing, what's happening currently within
the Town of Leesburg. How that is tracking against both the County and the Northern Virginia region.
I'm going to touch on, very briefly, some of our updates since we met in February on some of the
outstanding issues that we had on our MOA with the Town as you consider that as we move forward.
One of the things that we have been working with very closely as a group called Destination Analysts
out of San Francisco. In many instances, they are really the benchmark for reaching out to travelers.
Every single week,they've been reaching out to a thousand random travelers,to gauge their pulse on
what they're seeing and where they are headed in their thought process.
The good news is when we take a look at overall when you talk about all the entire United States, our
region doesn't even trick up in terms of a COVID hotspot,which is really important.Washington DC,as
you will see,falls down quite low. I think that's a really important thing because we are and considered
a part of the Washington DC region. As they are looking to planning, the sentiment is good and it
continues to grow.
Page 41 October 6,2020
We have nearly 11,000 view that they are already traveling.The others are really taking a look at up to
53% that they are willing to travel and are interested in traveling but they do have some hesitations.
We're going to talk a little bit about how we address that and what those hesitations might be.
They are also very open to travel information. For a long time, it was deemed not a good idea to be
advertising and promoting travel and tourism because they could not move. However, people are
beginning to feel very optimistic. More than 42%really are excited about seeing information that comes
out about a destination.More to the point they are planning and some of this will not come as a surprise
to you.We are seeing growth continue to be a little bit moderate until that spring when we really start
seeing that spring opening up.
We are looking at,we will be seeing increased travel over the Thanksgiving holiday, Christmas holiday
and I'll touch on that in a moment.Not surprisingly road trips still are king when we talk about travel and
that is a really important thing for Leesburg as a destination, because there is so much of a population
that can reach us easily.
You're going to start seeing the softer color line the lighter purple begin to start moving up towards the
spring as well. That is when people are going to start feeling very comfortable getting on an airplane.
You're going to see this data echoed when we talk a little bit about what MWAA is seeing.When they
are out and about there are some key spending priorities. Number one,food you consume at home or
when they are staying at an overnight accommodation.What the Town is doing with our restaurants is
really, really important.You're ensuring that they can remain open that people can get food to take out
and the outdoor dining extending,thank you so much for doing that.While they are here,they're really
going to be looking at leisure travel, they want to connect with friends and family, people they've not
been able to see in person in quite some time.
Road trips again, are king and then while they are out and about, they're buying gifts for their friends
and relatives, which is going to be very important for our retail sector. This is one of the specific
questions that we asked Destination Analysts to ask.When they are out,they are looking for inspiration
on Instagram, Facebook,TikTok, not a surprise,Twitter.
I'm really pleased to see, if you look over on the right-hand side, friends and relatives always are the
most trusted voice, but really, they're looking at local tourism offices and State tourism offices. The
relationship that we have with Virginia Tourism Corporation continues to be important.They're seeing
things, we're feeling optimism in our travelers. They are viewing planning and getaway, as really
aspirational. It's bringing them great happiness within the next six months.Those are all very positive
indicators.
When we talk about what's really happening from travel and tourism, airports, really looking at the
impact of MWAA and we're going to be seeing that business travel coming back. MWAA has seen
nearly an 83%, 84%, 85% up to a 90%decline in airline traffic,those are really going to be both leisure
travelers, but they're also the really important traveling segment for business. They sent out a survey
to the metropolitan region.
These three bar charts, I'll go through very quickly but what they're telling you is that those that they
surveyed were the right people, they have their businesses in North America. They have their
employees based in the Northern Virginia or in the Washington DC region.They are anywhere between
one and 1,000 employees.They are significant employers in our region.
When we look at the chart on your left government, technology, nonprofit, those are all really key
segments for Loudoun's travel.When we take a look at business travel, government in particular,who
are booking into Leesburg hotels,that leisure traveler for weddings,those are key important segments.
Not a surprise,the majority have canceled all business travel that is again,not a surprise,but when are
they looking to start bringing people back.
When you heard on the leisure traveler that there is some hesitation, you're seeing that as well,from a
business perspective,they will feel comfortable sending their employees to destinations where they are
following protocols,for the protocols are out front,they are being visible. One of the things that we are
doing at Visit Loudoun,working with our hotels is that we are putting those cleaning protocols front and
center of every single bid that we respond to because that is what they're looking for.
Page 51 October 6,2020
Again, they are looking at and they're saying that they're going to be having their employees begin to
travel within six months.That tracks very closely to what we saw from the leisure traveler.Again,positive
indications.Not a surprise,they are also going to be coming back a little slower,depending on what the
environment is between now and then.
Where are they getting their information? Facebook, Linkedln, so this was the first time that Visit
Loudoun has spent a lot of resources behind Linkedln.We are communicating with meeting planners
through this platform and we are having great success.We know that we are putting the right message
in the right place to hit the right travelers.
When we look at Leesburg occupancy,the next two slides pertain directly to Leesburg. First is you are
seeing a really terrific recovery that is beginning. When you look between May and August, demand
has nearly doubled, which is really very, very strong and really good important indicator.Where I talk
about the fact that Leesburg is at 45% that is outpacing the County that is also outpacing northern
Virginia.
What the market that we have here in Leesburg and the hotel makeup we have is perfectly suited for
what travelers want right now.They want that mid-scale economy.They want extended stays so that is
right here. I think it's a really important thing for you to keep in mind.
Our average daily rate has held which is really important. Again, that ADR is the rate that people are
paying to spend the night. We are only 17% down from August of the previous year. That's, in all
honesty, pretty darn amazing. While our occupancy has faltered, our rate has not dropped
exponentially. I'm also very pleased to tell you that we were able,through our legislative efforts,to hold
the GSA rate,held firm on what it was in 2019.We're not seeing a drop in that GSA schedule,that GSA
rate.That's going to be really important as our government travelers come back.
On a couple of MOA updates, since I was last before you in February, one of which was we reopened
the visitor center.We furloughed our staff,our team during COVID.We also took that opportunity to put
a better touch-free environment so that when visitors are coming in,they're able to see and follow those
safety protocols. Very pleased that we were able to bring back our visitor center team with reduced
hours.
Thank you very much, Council Member Campbell, Mayor Burk for coming for our unveiling that this is
a part of it. It is an increased presence for Leesburg. I'm very excited with the clean, sleek look and
we've received really good feedback.
The Leesburg Arts and Cultural District was a special project that we worked on in our structure of our
last MOA. I am pleased to tell you that we are poised and ready to go as soon as we know that those
banners are being installed.We have our toolkit,has been approved.It's ready.We have our advertising
spend ready to go.We're just waiting for the date to hit send. We've been working with Russ and his
team.We've been working, of course,with the group to make sure that we are ready to go as soon as
that hits.
I would encourage you to take a look at on our website.We've got an interactive map which has been
very well received.Most exciting,we've been working with Ion.The Mayor has served with us on several
occasions on bids.We are thrilled that we have our first US Figure Skating coming to Ion in December.
This is huge.They came to us to ask to help put that together.This is a preliminary qualifier for the US
Olympic team, it will generate between 1,000 and 1,200 room nights.We could not be more thrilled.
Just in closing a few couple of things.WanderLove is the program that we are running through Virginia
Tourism Corporation based on road trips.The hospitality tourism relief fund that was put through Visit
Loudoun Foundation raised over$100,000 to help keep our tourism professionals in their homes,ready
to come back and refuel our economy. The Loudoun is Ready program was put in place with the
Chamber,with Economic Development with Russ'team to make sure that our businesses are showing
that they are using this protocol.We have more than 1,000 who have signed up for that.
That is in my closing.Thank you, Madam Mayor. I am,shoot,take a look at your packets or a few other
great things that we've done. The Virginia Municipal League we're very excited and I will take any
questions that you might have.
Page 61 October 6,2020
Mayor Burk:All right.Thank you. Mr. Martinez, you have any questions for Ms. Erickson?
Vice Mayor Fernando"Marty" Martinez: No, I don't. I just want to say,thank you for the presentation.
I appreciate you being here and giving it to us.Thank you.
Mayor Burk: Mr. Dunn.
Council Member Thomas Dunn: No questions.As always, great job and great reporting and always
good results.Thank you.
Mayor Burk: Mr. Campbell.
Council Member Campbell: Thank you once again, Ms. Erickson. I do have a couple of questions.
Again, I understand the forecasts and how things look. I just wondering some of the considerations.
First, let's just start with budget. Obviously, COVID-19 has been an impact on everybody's budget.
Could you tell us and you mentioned some of the layoffs and furloughs, I guess, specifically, how it's
affected your ability to do the job that obviously you've been empowered to do?
Beth Erickson:That's a very important question.I will tell you that we've been working with our largest
funders, of course, the County.We've been working with the County and our team to make sure that
we can deliver on the core tourism services that are outlined within our MOU with the County but also
with our MOA with the Town.
We have been,from the very beginning as soon as COVID hit, cutting all non-essential expenses.We
are tracking very closely to make sure and we have redone our budget at least two to three times that
we've brought back to our executive board and our full board for adoption. We are tracking and
measuring it on a month-to-month basis.
Council Member Campbell: Thank you. Because I think that again will be an important consideration
as this Town in its own deficit looks forward as to identifying its priorities and its own budget process.
Obviously,there has to be some great consideration to those investments that help to make money.
Beth Erickson: I certainly understand that. That is part of also why we have reset our advertising to
make sure that we are hitting it, and our outreach at the places where we know will be most effective.
Council Member Campbell: Great.The other question I have, again, as you look to bring people into
Town,and we still dealing with the economic reality of having fewer businesses, and places for people
to go, and even changing in the weather that's going to limit outdoor seating, and we stopped the
restrictions on indoor seating. I just want to make sure that we're able to actually satisfy whatever
audience we're trying to ramp up and bring here.
I know you're working closely with Economic Development of Leesburg,and Mr.Seymour and his staff.
Those are the things for me that I'll be looking out for. Because as I do walk around and I see different
hours in closing,things aren't staying open past nine o'clock at night restaurants. I was looking for one
last night,that's always been open, it wasn't open last night.[laughs]That was eight o'clock. I know we
have those impacts. I know we will continue to look at things that are going on as we bring people here,
particularly for overnight visits, people are looking for a place to eat.
Again, I'm not trying to look into a crystal ball and forecast anything, but again,the comments that you
could give us about things that we can do to be helpful to continue to look at policy changes.Or anything
of that nature to help accommodate the visitors that you're working so hard to be here, I think we have
to be in those creative and innovative mode. Your advice is greatly appreciated and anything you can
offer, in terms of structure will be very much appreciated.Thank you.
Mayor Burk:Thank you. Ms. Fox.
Council Member Fox:Thanks.Thanks for coming.It's always good to see you.Quick questions,taking
a look at your travel for business forecasts and some of the remarks that you've made about that. I hate
to say this, but with the new normal, I'm seeing trends a little bit different than what we used to deal
Page 71 October 6,2020
with. You're saying that you think the travel for business will come back? I'm just wondering because
I've seen different things that say that it might not.
Beth Erikson: It will be the slowest market to return.We are seeing sports has been strong,weddings
has been strong, leisure has been strong. Our slowest that we're going to be seeing is, some of that
association in business travel,government is meeting.Government has begun to start meeting so we're
seeing that coming back. I do think that the new normal is what we're going to be looking at whether it's
hybrid meetings,it's making sure that when people are coming together,that they're doing it in the best
way possible.
Also, I think that those managers who are making the decisions to send their teams out,want to make
sure that they're sending them to a safe place and a good strong, safe destination. I agree with you, I
think it's going to be the slowest, but I also think that our region will rebound probably faster than
Washington DC.
Council Member Fox: Really? I was wondering if you had any insight as to what the hotels might be
doing to prepare for that downward trend for business. Business travel not the weddings and the--
Beth Erikson:Yes, we are working very closely with our hotels on a regular basis, looking at some of
that data, making sure that those protocols are in place.What we are seeing is business going into the
pipeline for 2021 that we are very encouraged by. I think that as long as those groups will continue to
meet in person, those are really strong trends. I think that we are seeing business starting to come at
the end of the winter, probably looking more at that February, March timeframe.
Council Member Fox:That's what I was assuming to you. [crosstalk]
Beth Erikson: We're going to be seeing significant room nights coming back and significant is, of
course, a relative term.
Council Member Fox: Guess it just wait and see, isn't it?All right.Thank you.
Beth Erikson:Yes, ma'am.Thank you.
Mayor Burk: Mr. Steinberg.
Council Member Steinberg: Thanks a lot for your presentation and all your hard work.The Ion event
is that as certain as it can be, given the information that we have now that is scheduled.
Beth Erickson:That is scheduled. Yes, sir, it is not open to the public.The protocols that we've been
working on with the US Olympic Committee, Ion,and the hotels have been really, really stringent.They
are protecting the athletes.They're protecting the coaches and it is going to be a really interesting and
important event to pull off well.
Council Member Steinberg: That is good news. That's exactly the reason I think Ion, we worked so
hard to make Ion a part of the community. That's very good news for them, of course, and for the
community of Leesburg as well.Thank you.
Beth Erickson: My pleasure.
Mayor Burk: I just have a couple of questions for you, Beth.
Beth Erickson:Yes, ma'am.
Mayor Burk: Is Visit Loudoun at all involved with the Loudoun Hauntings,the Museum?
Beth Erickson:Yes,we are.We're working very closely with the Museum on promotion.We work with
them on helping with some of the preliminary marketing and everything that they have.We are an active
partner, absolutely.
Page 81 October 6,2020
Mayor Burk: I'm glad to see that's up and running again.
Beth Erickson:We are too.
Mayor Burk: It'll be interesting to see if that does draw additional people. Because it is something
different to do and some of the--
Beth Erickson:And it's outdoors.
Mayor Burk: Right. [laughs]With all these Zoom meetings and all this, there's also to talk about how
the office world is never going to be the same again. Do you see working environments, holding
conferences in person in the future?
Beth Erickson: I do. I think that it's going to be on a very specialized and smaller scale. I will tell you
that it is a very encouraging sign of the hotel product that we have, in terms of we're hitting the markets
and where they need to be.When we're looking at board meetings coming together, I think that people
are realizing that the management piece of being able to bring leadership together is really critically
important.That's on that smaller scale.
The fact that our sweet spot for meetings has always been around 200, 300 people is really a great
place for us to be. We are not dependent on multi-thousand person conventions and meetings. That
gets back to why I think we're going to rebound a little bit quicker than cities with the convention center.
We're going to be at that good amount and we also have the facilities that you could have a 300 person
meeting, 400 person meeting with social distancing. I think that we are uniquely positioned when they
start to move for us to have the product that they're looking for.
Mayor Burk: I'm missing that interaction with all that Zoom. [laughs]
Beth Erickson: I think we all are.
Mayor Burk: On your spending priorities, you've got red and blue. I like to tell me what the difference
between the red and the blue is, anything in particular?
Beth Erickson: Ma'am, I'm not quite sure what you are—[crosstalk]
Mayor Burk: It's just slide spending priorities,top two box scores, essential priorities,or high priorities.
Beth Erickson: Coming back. Oh, thank you. Oh, the spending priorities are what visitors want to
spend their money on when they're coming in.
Mayor Burk:What's the red to the blue?What's the difference the red to the blue?
Beth Erickson: Oh,just looking at the growth over the previous results of the previous week.
Mayor Burk: Red means what?
Beth Erickson: That it was dropping back a little bit more than what they had seen on that previous
week.Thank you so much, I was trying to--It wasn't the trip. It was our spending priorities.Thank you.
Mayor Burk:Thank you.You're saying the average daily hotel rate has gone up to$95.20?
Beth Erickson:That is our most recent data for August.
Mayor Burk: Do you foresee that going up much?
Beth Erickson: I'm sorry?
Mayor Burk: Do you foresee that going up much?
Page 91 October 6,2020
Beth Erickson:I think it depends on really what that occupancy is looking for.I think it's holding.Winter,
we do see a softening in average daily rate overall. I think that it will soften but it is beating what our
projections were,slightly.That still is a really good point.The fact that our star data and information that
we have is good solid metrics and information to build upon. I do think we're going to see some softening
in that rate and I think we're going to see some softening in the occupancy over the winter months.
Mayor Burk: I think the International Training Center Ion is just a huge success for the Town of
Leesburg.
Beth Erickson: I agree.
Mayor Burk: I think it's only going to get more important to us.
Beth Erickson: I do appreciate how often you are sending in letters of support for those bids that we
are going up to bet on.Thank you.
Mayor Burk: No problem, I'll be happy to do it anytime.Then the last part,the VML conference is going
to be here next year. Hopefully,that will be in-person, because this year,tomorrow and the next day it's
virtual. I have to say, I love the tagline,"Seven towns, one great destination."That's really cool.That's
really great and I'm excited.
Beth Erickson:Thank you.Taking you to the top of Virginia in 2021.
Mayor Burk:There you go.All right.
Beth Erickson:Thank you.We are very excited about that conference and we know it's going to be a
great success.Thank you for your help and support on that.
Mayor Burk:Sure.Thank you for all you do to make this a destination for people to come too,to helping
us promote it, and adding to the specialness of Leesburg.Thank you very much for what you do.
Beth Erickson: Certainly, it's a pleasure and it's an important industry and I know it will come back.
Thank you.
Mayor Burk: Thank you. These glasses are going to drive me nuts. Thank you. Regional Reports,
anybody have a Regional Report?Yes, Ms. Fox.
Council Member Fox: Since we met last PCAC--I'm the Council Liaison for the NVTA Advisory Board.
We met a couple of weeks ago virtually, and, of course, with everything that's gone on since March,
they are having to re-evaluate and look at the new impacts the pandemic has affected a lot of travel,
and transportation along the highways is not the least of them. They're assuming a lot more telework
post-pandemic,and because of the length of the pandemic, it's changing the way people live between
transportainment,employment,and shopping. Metro is losing two million a day according to them.
Now, with an NVTA update, it looks like our budget down in Richmond still has not been okayed.
Everybody's waited with bated breath about that one. They do expect that budget for NVTA to take a
hit, and they're having to go to the revenue sharing dollars to use for other things until projects are
actually ready to go. It changes the dynamic a little bit. If something seems a little off as money is
supposed to come or any of our requests,they're just asking for some patience. They're going to keep
working on it and the visions and goals and try and mold to whatever's going to be happening in the
future.
Mayor Burk: It's important stuff that's going on there, that's for sure. Does anybody else have any— I
just have a couple.The Mayors continue to have a phone call with the Chair every Thursday in regard
to COVID.She shares with us the data and the information. Loudoun County is most certainly in much
better shape than other localities.We're on the downtrend, not the uptrend.
Everyone is hopeful that we will continue to-- People are concerned that we're getting COVID
exhaustion and everybody's tired of wearing the mask and tired of social distancing,but I want to assure
everybody that that is the way to keep this going on a downward track. Please don't give up, please
Page 101 October 6, 2020
continue to do that as things move forward and we make progress, but we really need to keep our eye
on the ball and make sure that we're watching out for each of us.
Northern Virginia Regional Commission has their meetings, phone calls every Monday.That covers a
whole variety of subjects of what the other localities are doing and what we're looking at and that sort
of thing.I don't know how much longer that's going to continue.I noticed the number of people attending
is diminishing every time,but we still have the monthly meeting where we are talking about the regional
issues that are going on.
We do have some localities that are a little more ahead of us than other localities that want to do things
and want to start shutdowns again and things of that nature. We need to be listening to what's going
on, but take care as to each location is different in things that are going on.
I am on the VML Executive Committee and the Legislative Committee,and they had meetings this week
also.All of that was to get ready for tomorrow and the next day,the VML conference,which is a virtual
conference.This is the first time they've done it. It'll be very interesting to see how it happens, but boy,
the amount of work that's gone into and the,impact financially will be an implication for the future.We'll
see how that all goes.
That takes us to our resolutions. Our first resolution is Morven Park--
Council Member Steinberg: Petitioners.
Mayor Burk: Oh, petitioners. Sorry. Gosh. I was doing so well until then. Okay, the petitioners. I need
to state the whole-- One of the first orders of business is to hear from the public.All members of the
public are welcome to address the Council on any item, matter,or issue. Please identify yourself and if
comfortable doing so, give your address for the taped record.Any public speaker will be requested to
state their name and spell it for the purpose of closed captioning.
In the interest of fairness,we ask that you observe the five-minute time limit. For those participating in
person or on WebEx, the green light on the timer will turn yellow at the end of four minutes, indicating
that you have one minute remaining. At that time, we would appreciate you summing up and yielding
the floor when the bell indicates your time has expired. For those participating on the phone, you will
hear the bell when your time is up.
Under the rules of order adopted by this Council, the five-minute time limit applies to all. Councilors,
now to hear from the members of the public remotely. Once we have heard from anyone present in the
room, we will hear from the members of the public on the phone or WebEx. The first person that we
have to speak today in person is Gladys Burke.Welcome, Ms. Burke,who's not a relative of mine.
Gladys Burke: Good evening, Madam Mayor, Members of the Town Council. Gladys Burke at 12
Hancock Place and that's G-L-A-D-Y-S Burke, B-U-R-K-E.
Mayor Burk: Much better spelling.
Gladys Burke: I was sitting in my office today and Adam Bell, who I call Leesburg's unofficial
ambassador called me up and said, "Gladys are you going to Town Council meeting tonight?" I said,
"No, I was planning to watch it on TV." He said, 'Well, Legacy Farm is being honored this evening." I
wanted to come,number one,and support them. I think what they do in the community is so awesome,
it is so needed,and I'm so glad that I was here to just cheer them on just a little bit.
Then I said, "Oh, I need to do something else when I go to the Town Council,"and that is to thank you
all so,so very much for the way that you welcomed Opal Lee to the Town of Leesburg." I want to thank
our Town Manager, you have a wonderful staff. They turned that around in a day or two notice with
things changing as we go. Kate Trask,she was just awesome. I wanted to thank you all who approved
and signed the resolution.That was pretty special for her.
I'm a pretty upbeat person anyway, but listening to her at 90-plus years old flown from Texas, had gone
to DC,had an event before ours,and then was leaving ours and having another event,when she talked
about a committee of one and a difference that a committee of one can make as opposed to sitting on
Page 111 October 6,2020
your sofa and just watching the world go by, I was inspired by her.Just with that alone,it was well worth
it.The way that the Town of Leesburg put that together, I'm so grateful. I speak also for the Juneteenth
foundation.They were very well pleased.Thank you,thank you,thank you. Bravo.
Mayor Burk:Thank you, Ms.Burke.Is there anybody in the audience that had not signed up that would
like to speak?All right. Do we have anybody online?
Keith Markel: Madam Mayor,we don't have anybody signed up this evening online.
Mayor Burk: All right. Again, I'll ask if there's anybody in the audience that would like to speak that
didn't sign up. No one?Then I will close this petitioner section, and that will take us to the resolutions.
First one is 13 A, Morven Park Road Sidewalk Improvement Project Change Order, approving the
change order number five for design of Morven Park Road Sidewalk Improvement Project in the amount
of$106,127.07 and authorizing the Town Manager to execute the change order number five.
Renee LaFollette: Staff does not have a presentation but we are here to answer any questions if there
are any.
Mayor Burk:All right. Mr.Steinberg?
Council Member Steinberg: Let's see. What happened to the development at the Spring Arbor? Do
we know?
Renee LaFollette:They withdrew. I do not know why, but they withdrew their application.
Council Member Steinberg:At such time should some development take place that that development
would then be assessed, I assume an appropriate portion for whatever work would be taking place, or
not?
Renee LaFollette: If we come first and they do a by-right development, there would be no payment
from that developer. If they did a special exception that would require some type of legislative action,
we may have the ability to ask for some transportation improvements. Unless that is the case, we will
most likely be coming first, and it's strictly a curb and gutter on the east side of Morven Park Road.
Council Member Steinberg: I see.The proposal, 11 houses, is that a by-right?
Renee LaFollette: I believe so, but I'm not 100% positive.
Council Member Steinberg: Not sure,okay.Then,final question.At what point did we become aware
of the inadequacy of the storm drainage outfall under Old Waterford Road?Why didn't we know until
now?
Anne Geiger: Because they had to do some surveying there, and that came about then with the 60%
plans,that they realized that that was inadequate.
Council Member Steinberg:All right.Thanks.
Mayor Burk: Ms. Fox.
Council Member Fox: Thanks. Quick question about a budget. Have we gone over budget on this or
not?
Anne Geiger: No,we have not.
Council Member Fox: Even with the new curb and gutter?
Anne Geiger:Even with the new curb and gutter,for design.For design,we have not gone over budget.
Council Member Fox: Do we expect to for actual build-out?
Page 121 October 6,2020
Anne Geiger: The current funding for that is a little small. You will be seeing different numbers when
we come up for the CIP.
Council Member Fox:All right.The reason I asked is because I heard that land was purchased again.
Is it still zoned R4?
Anne Geiger:Which land is purchased?
Council Member Fox: Spring Arbor, I'm sorry.The Spring Arbor.
Mayor Burk:The Hunt property.
Anne Geiger: It is not purchased yet.
Council Member Fox: Oh, it's not purchased yet?
Anne Geiger: No.
Council Member Fox: Is it still zoned R4?
Renee LaFollette:Yes,it is still zoned R4,and it will most likely close the sale within the next four days
based on what we heard on our conference call with the prospective buyer earlier this afternoon.
Council Member Fox: Okay,that's it.Thank you.
Mayor Burk: Mr. Campbell.
Council Member Campbell:Thank you.I'm glad we're having questions because I actually would have
expected a little bit of a presentation to answer these types of questions because change orders means
change, whether a change is unexpected, unanticipated, or anticipated. Now I'm questioning what we
can anticipate given some of the still unknown.
It's not about the budget.Again, I know we have the money available, but some of the things that still
may happen that we're not certain about will still cause other change orders.At some point, I guess the
project itself is either going to be all on our backs and not anticipating it might be on the back of another
development or another developer or another proffer. Is this all of our anticipated costs for this project?
Anne Geiger: It should be from a design point of view. The second item that we have in the
memorandum talks about doing the design of the storm drainage, whether the development at 107
Morven Park Road moves forward or not. Once we've done that, we are no longer tied to that
development,and we can move our project forward either way. Depending on who goes first,we either
pull one sheet out, or we pull the other sheet out.
Council Member Campbell:We had to do two design scenarios,as you explained.
Anne Geiger:We are going to have to do two,yes.
Council Member Campbell:We had to pay for two design scenarios,of course,so we don't anticipate
a third.
Anne Geiger: No.
Renee LaFollette: No. The reason we're doing that is because if we move forward with construction
and the developer comes in and starts their construction and we're in construction, it's a delay to the
contractor that's going to be much more expensive than doing this preliminary design for both scenarios
now.
Council Member Campbell: I understand that. I'm not going to go back and say maybe we should
have waited or anything like that.We made plans appropriately.We did what we were supposed to do.
Page 131 October 6, 2020
I'm just trying to make sure,at least as far as my questions go,that I'm asking about anticipation,where
we are in the project.We can't know for sure,so we have two scenarios.That's great.Thank you.
Mayor Burk: Mr. Dunn?
Council Member Dunn: No questions.Thank you.
Mayor Burk: Mr. Martinez?
Council Member Martinez: No. I have no questions.Thank you, Madam Mayor.
Mayor Burk: All right.Will the fencing be,that was part of the original product that was offered,was a
continuation of the stone fencing.That's not part of this project at all.We're just talking about the--
Anne Geiger:What stone fencing? I'm not sure I--
Mayor Burk:Well,the project offered to continue the fence that's along Morven Park Road.
Anne Geiger: Our project does not include continuing the fence.
Mayor Burk: Do we have any idea who is considering purchasing the project? Is it a home builder or
is it a commercial developer?Do we know?
Renee LaFollette: It's a private property owner.
Mayor Burk: Okay. All right. Thank you. We've got this change order number five for design of the
Morven Park Road Sidewalk Improvement Project in the amount of$106,127.07 authorizing the Town
Manager to execute the change order number five. Do we have a motion?
Council Member Fox: Moved.
Mayor Burk: Moved by Council Member Fox. Second.
Council Member Steinberg: Second.
Mayor Burk: Seconded by Council Member Steinberg.Any additional questions or discussion at this
point?All in favor, indicate by saying aye.
Members:Aye.
Mayor Burk:Opposed?That passes six zero.All right.The next item is the Airport maintenance storage
facility construction contract award.
Council Member Steinberg: Madam Mayor, point of information, please.
Mayor Burk:Yes,sir.
Council Member Steinberg: Just for the record, I am a personal friend of John Fuog who owns Fuog-
Interbuild as part of this proposal. His award was granted by a body with which I had no interaction. I
have no financial interest with Mr. Fuog, and so I feel comfortable in discussing and voting on this
particular section of the project.Thank you.
Mayor Burk: All right. Thank you, Mr. Steinberg. This is in Airport Maintenance Storage Facility
Construction Contracts, Supplemental Appropriation of Funds,and Grant Agreement Authorization.
Scott Coffman: Good evening, Madam Mayor and Members of the Council. I just have a very brief
presentation just to orient you on this project.The purpose of this project is to construct a maintenance
storage building for the Airport snow removal and mowing equipment.The Airport has never really had
Page 141 October 6, 2020
its own maintenance facility. We've always tucked equipment into the end of Tee hangar units where
there's small bays.
However, not all of the equipment fits in there, and certainly, the snowplows don't fit inside a little 12-
foot door. Our equipment has been sitting outside in the elements.There's been significant investment
in that equipment, both from local money and from the State. This project is to help solve that solution
or provide a solution to that problem. It will also store chemicals such as salt that's used on the Airport
runway.
The project's located near Miller Drive up on the northeastern quadrant of the Airport, behind the
existing Tee hangars.This is an approved location in the Airport master plan.There's just a couple of
pictures of equipment that does not fit in our existing bays that this maintenance storage building would
house.That's really all I have to give you an orientation on what the project looks like.
Mayor Burk:All right.Thank you.
Scott Coffman: [unintelligible 00:54:55] is here to answer any questions about finances.
Mayor Burk:All right.Anyone have any questions?Mr. Campbell?
Council Member Campbell: Thank you. This project was approved in a CIP for $280,000. Give or
take.The project has now come in over budget.
Scott Coffman:Yes,sir.
Council Member Campbell:Where will the additional appropriation come from?
Scott Coffman: Can I have Jason in finance to give you the best answer?
Council Member Campbell: Please.
Jason Cournoyer: Good evening. Part of tonight's proposed or recommended appropriation is going
to come from general obligation bonds. It's supposed to backfill some lost grant funding from DOAB as
well as the additional funding needed now to complete the project.
Council Member Campbell:Those bonds would be paid back, how?
Jason Cournoyer: The bonds will be general obligation bonds. They will be full faith backed by the
general fund revenue.
Council Member Campbell: Based on our anticipated budget or our reality budget of where we are
now facing a deficit?
Jason Cournoyer: This is within our debt capacity. Over the years, the past couple of years, we've
actually been very fortunate to get a lot of outside funding.We have had less general obligation bonds
than anticipated over the past year.We do have flexibility in our capacity to absorb a 109,000 increase.
Sorry, my math—
Council Member Campbell: Again, I'm just trying to make sure, because obviously, it's not in a
presentation,so I have to ask the questions. If we approved,then we don't get into a different situation,
and money we spent here,we might have prioritized to spend somewhere else.Again,from our Finance
team, and I know you know all the numbers,where we are, have our presentation at the next meeting
on where we are and we don't obligate ourselves in a way that we might regret. That's all. If the
presentation I'm hearing you make is that we're comfortable with these general obligation bonds and in
our ability to pay the debt service,then obviously I have to take that as fact. Okay,thank you.
Mayor Burk: Ms. Fox?
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Council Member Fox: Thanks. Real quick.A piece of equipment that in size that needs to be stored,
what is that investment?How much did something like that cost?
Scott Coffman:The piece of equipment I believe you're talking about was the yellow snow broom.
Council Member Fox: Yes.
Scott Coffman: That was donated to the Town by Norfolk Airport, at no cost to the Town. I think we
paid to have it delivered.That was a pretty minimal cost.They are,don't quote me exactly,but$400,000
to$500,000 new. It's probably worth about$200,000 in its current condition. It's a pretty nice piece of
equipment that we've not had at the Airport before.What it does is it actually cleans the Airport runway
down to bare pavement,which is what aircraft need to safely break. If you've seen the plowed roads in
the Town,they tend to turn white after a while and you still slide.This gets it down to blacktop.
Council Member Fox:This is something that can be brought into the Town if needed in a bad storm. I
know we've had issues—
Scott Coffman: There's no obligations to it. It's 20 feet wide,so I don't think it would fit down too many
of the roads.
Council Member Fox:That's huge.Okay.It says here that you needed to comply with DEQ for storage.
What is that standard?
Scott Coffman:The Department of Environmental Quality and our stormwater pollution prevention plan
does not like equipment sitting outside because there are hydraulic leaks and small things that tend to
pollute the ground, and anything that goes on the ground that's not rainwater is not allowed.
Council Member Fox: Okay,thanks.
Mayor Burk:Anyone else have any questions? Mr. Martinez, Mr. Dunn?I guess that's a no. Okay.
Vice Mayor Martinez: I have none.
Mayor Burk:Yes?
Vice Mayor Martinez: I have none.
Mayor Burk: Oh,you have none.Okay,thank you.All right.There is a draft motion in the report. Does
anybody want to make a motion on this?
Council Member Steinberg: I will.
Mayor Burk: Okay.
Council Member Steinberg: [inaudible 00:59:39]
Mayor Burk: I move to approve the proposed—
Council Member Steinberg: Exactly.Well, I move to approve the Airport maintenance storage facility
construction contract award,supplemental appropriation of funds,and grant agreement authorization.
Mayor Burk: Okay, I think it has to be a little more formal. I move to approve the proposed resolution
to (1) award the construction contract for the Airport maintenance storage facility project to Fuog-
Interbuild Inc,and in the amount of$263,429.24,and authorize the Town Manager to execute the grant
agreement in the Virginia Department of Aviation for construction of the Airport maintenance storage
facility project in the amount of $40,335 and (3) amend the Fiscal Year 2020-2026 Capital
Improvements Program (CIP) and approve a supplemental appropriation of $109,200. Is that your
motion?
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Council Member Steinberg: That's exactly the motion I would've made, Madam Mayor.
Mayor Burk: Okay. Moved by Mr.Steinberg.Second?
Council Member Fox: Second.
Mayor Burk: Seconded by Council Member Fox.All in favor, indicate by saying aye.
Members:Aye.
Mayor Burk: Opposed?All right, that passes six zero. The next motion is to approve-- I'll move this
one. I move to approve the proclamation for Jason Mills to be proclaimed at the October 27th, 2020
Town Council meeting. Is there a second?
Council Member Steinberg: Second.
Mayor Burk: Council Member Steinberg. Is there any questions on this?All in favor, indicate by saying
aye.
Members:Aye.
Mayor Burk: Opposed?
Council Member Dunn:Abstain.
Mayor Burk:That's five,zero,one.All right.That takes us to our Council disclosures. Mr. Campbell?
Council Member Campbell: I have no disclosures. I would like to make a few comments. I want to
thank our IT Director, Jacob, and the entire staff, along with the cooperation of the IT Department of
Loudoun County, for their great work with the 911 call handling upgrades and the Internet transition
away from Loudoun County. I appreciate all the work and the energy,to be ahead of schedule, but also,
I think the competence and where this information goes.
I think again, in a broader community, as a credit to the Town, a lot of compliments on Linkedln and
other professionals that are watching and viewing the work that's done.Certainly,a special thank goes
out to the leadership of our IT department and our Director.
I was also honored to be asked by two organizations, Lead India Foundation and Lead America
Foundation, and the Indian Embassy last Friday, along with President of Loudoun County NAACP,
Pastor Michelle Thomas,to celebrate in Washington, DC, the 151st birthday of Mahatma Gandhi, and
recognizing the special relationship to non-violence and Martin Luther King Jr, and the influence that
Gandhi had on his country as well as ours.
Last night, and I had no problems with the idea of what we did with moving aside the Ethics Policy for
a new Council, but what it did was actually renege on a promise that was made to this community when
the Ethics Policy came up for review, because of issues with our proclamations, Council Member
behaviors, and over a year has passed and no action was taken. I think, again, while we understand
our own behaviors under the spotlight, so is full disclosure.
It is unfortunate that even as we talked about a proclamation at our last meeting,for Mrs. Lee, that we
couldn't do that in the spirit of full disclosure about what needed to happen,what was going to happen.
Questions were asked,and not honestly answered.As we look at ethics and policy,whether it's still this
Council or the next Council, there's still accountability for disclosure and transparency, honesty, and
integrity.
Mayor Burk: Ms. Fox.
Council Member Fox: Thanks. I don't have any disclosures. I wanted to go ahead and congratulate
Chief Brown on four years of service. We are so excited that he is at the helm here in Leesburg, he
Page 171 October 6, 2020
does an excellent job.The event for Opal Lee was quite nice.I really enjoyed attending that and hearing
her story. The Valor Awards were held on Friday to celebrate those first responders and some of the
heroic things they did. Some of the responders and citizens who really accomplished some amazing
things this year. I really appreciate that.
On October 20th,there's going to be a blood drive at 801 Balls Bluff.Just to let everybody know and if
they wanted to sign up for that,they can go to the Red Cross website.Thank you.
Mayor Burk:Thank you. Mr. Dunn?
Council Member Dunn: I have no comments I wish to share publicly.Thank you.
Mayor Burk: Mr.Steinberg.
Council Member Steinberg: I have no comments.
Mayor Burk:Vice Mayor Martinez.
Vice Mayor Martinez: I have no comments. I just wanted to just be glad I can participate remotely.
Thank you.
Mayor Burk: All right. I have no disclosures,just a couple of comments. On 9-24th,the event that we
were able to do with Opal Lee, it was truly inspirational. It was an honor to have her and to present a
proclamation to her.What a unique and wonderful woman and we were very lucky to have her here.-I
was very proud that so many of us came to welcome her to Leesburg.You want to talk about impressive,
94 years old and she could still hold her own just fine. Her message of no shame, no blame,just unity
was just a really beautiful thought that she brought forward and talked about in her remarks. I was very
impressed by all that she had to say and was very honored to have the opportunity to meet her.
I want to welcome SYNERGY HomeCare. That is a new business that is opening in Leesburg--that
has opened in Leesburg.We did a ribbon cutting the other day. It is a business that will provide health
care aides to your home should you need it from anything from caregiving for very sick people or a new
mother,just a whole variety of services.That's great to have a new business here in Leesburg.
I want to welcome Escape Room. This is their second escape room. They have one on one side of
Town around Cardinal Park, and this one is on Royal Street. For many people, it's a very interesting
and exciting event to do with families in the workplace. Now we have two of them here that we can do,
and very successful, so I want to welcome them.
I want to thank the eighth-grade class at Providence Academy for inviting me to come to speak to them
about what is the role of the Mayor and how it relates to campaigning. It's a really nice group of kids,
and the questions were most certainly very interesting.
I want to welcome Loudoun Go. It's a virtual farmer's market that's located at ChefScape. Obviously,
you go on the Loudoun Go website,you order from particular farmers or particular businesses and they
will deliver it to you.This is an exciting new prospect of a business, and it was very well attended,and
everybody's very excited about it.We have three new businesses just in this last couple of weeks that
have come to Leesburg because Leesburg still is an attractive place to open a business.
Then I just want to let everybody know that on Friday at nine o'clock at the Walgreens on King and
Catoctin,we will be doing a short little program about the flu vaccine and encouraging people to please
get the flu vaccine.While we're dealing with COVID,we also need to remember that this is flu season,
and so we need to make sure everybody gets the vaccine as soon as they can to make sure that we
keep people safe.That's most certainly one of the most important things we do, is public safety here on
the Council. Mr.Town Manager?
Kaj Dentler: No comments.
Mayor Burk: No comments. Do I have a motion to adjourn?
Page 181 October 6,2020
Council Member Fox: So moved.
Council Member Steinberg: So moved.
Mayor Burk: Second?
Council Member Steinberg: Second.
Mayor Burk:All in favor?
Members:Aye.
Mayor Burk: Opposed.
Vice Mayor Martinez:Aye.
Mayor Burk:All right.Thank you all.
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